Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Nate laughed. “Hey, I’m not the one you need to convince. It’s a small town. Everyone’s seen how you are with each other. Haven’t you noticed that every potential date for Adrian mysteriously cancels at the last minute?”
Adrian’s cheeks flushed, which was an unexpected reaction. “Maddox thinks it’s a conspiracy.”
Nate snorted. “There’s actually a betting pool at Timber about when the two of you will—”
“Look at that view,” I interrupted desperately. “Perfect shot of Slingshot Mountain coming up. We should stop here.”
To my relief, Nate shut up and slowed the horses. “This is one of my favorite spots. This time of day, the sun hits it just right sometimes.”
The sleigh came to a stop at a stunning overlook. Fresh snow blanketed the landscape, sparkling in the winter sunlight. The river winding below was partially frozen, creating a striking pattern of ice and dark water. Pine trees, heavily laden with snow, framed the mountains in the distance.
“It’s breathtaking,” Adrian said quietly.
“Take your time getting whatever shots you need,” Nate suggested. “The horses could use a rest anyway.”
I climbed down first, camera already in hand, surveying the scene for the best angles. Adrian followed, pulling out his phone to take a quick personal shot before we started the actual filming.
“Let’s get some footage of you by that stand of pines,” I directed, slipping into professional mode. “The light’s hitting them perfectly right now.”
Adrian nodded, moving toward the spot I’d indicated. I followed, stepping carefully through the snow, focusing on framing the shot rather than on the man in my viewfinder.
That was my mistake. Too focused on the camera settings, I didn’t notice the patch of ice beneath the fresh snow until my boot knocked the tripod leg and began to slip. In an effort to protect the camera, my feet went out from under me, and I stumbled directly into Adrian’s path as he lurched forward to keep me from falling.
“Maddox!” he cried as I crashed into his chest. My hands cradled the camera as my nose buried itself in the soft scarf at the base of his throat.
For a moment, we stood frozen, my body pressed against his, his arms wrapped around my waist. His heart hammered through the thin skin of my cheek, matching the rapid beat of my own.
“You okay?” he asked, his voice rough and low.
I couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. His face was inches from mine, his breath warm against my cold skin. His eyes, wide with surprise, darkened as they fixed on mine. Something electric passed between us, a current that had nothing to do with the winter static in the air.
“Watch your step,” Nate called from the sleigh, amusement clear in his voice. “Snow and ice are slippery.”
His words broke the spell. I stepped back abruptly, nearly losing my balance again before steadying myself with the tripod legs.
“Sorry,” I muttered, unable to meet Adrian’s eyes. “Wasn’t paying attention.”
“’S’okay,” Adrian replied, his voice still strangely tight. “Happens.”
I busied myself checking that my camera hadn’t been damaged, though I knew perfectly well it was fine. My heart was still racing, skin tingling where his hands had gripped me.
“We should, uh, get that shot before the light changes,” I said, gesturing vaguely toward the pines.
“Right,” Adrian agreed, moving back into position.
Something about the shot wasn’t right. It took me a minute to figure it out.
Fuck.
“Nate!” I called. “You ready to shoot?”
Adrian’s eyes widened as he realized neither one of us had considered including Nate in the shot. It was supposed to be a date between the two of them after all.
The rancher came sauntering over. “Sure you need me? Seems like the two of you might create better content without a dusty ole rancher—”
“Shut the fuck up,” I snapped. “Get in the shot, and let’s get this knocked out.”
We completed the shoot with a new tension between Adrian and me, both hyperaware of each other’s movements. Nate seemed to enjoy every minute of it, occasionally offering suggestions for shots or angles, his knowing expression making it clear he saw right through our professional facade.
Since the two of them were supposed to be acting like they were on a date, I took several clips of them standing close together, gazing at the view, and even one with Adrian’s arm threaded through Nate’s. Every time Nate stood close to Adrian, I wanted to throw the sexy rancher clear off the nearest cliff.
“That’s enough,” I barked when Nate tugged Adrian closer with the tails of the Nordique scarf, pretending the same playful, flirty tone I’d suggested when framing the shot.
Adrian’s cheeks darkened while Nate’s head fell back in laughter.
“Alright, alright. The fun police are here, and they are not amused,” Nate teased, shooting Adrian a wink. “I forgot to warn you never to poke a bear out here.”
When we finally climbed back into the sleigh for the return journey, Adrian sat stiffly beside me, careful not to let our legs touch. I focused intently on reviewing the footage we’d captured, avoiding both his gaze and Nate’s amused glances.